Readers: Why not help rather than criticize SPCA?

A recent story in the St. Petersburg Timesshowed that about half of the more than 10,000 dogs and cats admitted to the Tampa Bay SPCA annually are euthanized. Since that story published, hundreds of pet lovers have spoken out -- on tampabay.com stories and at a SPCA meeting Monday -- critical of the shelter and of the Times' coverage.

Julie from St. Petersburg wrote: "How many of you with a negative view have adopted an animal, or opened your house to these displaced animals from the hurricanes. Those that live in glass houses should not cast stones!"

"I am increasing my monthly donation to SPCA-TB by $10 per month; that brings me to $35 per month," wrote Sarah of St. Pete.

A few ItsYourTimes.com writers have offered helpful suggestions for alleviating the problem with pet overpopulation. Here's a look at a few:

Laura Spelman of Clearwater asks: Why not volunteer? "The issue here is not how many animals are euthanized at the shelter but how many animals are surrendered or simply thrown away by their irresponsible owners," she writes.

Pamela Borres wrote about a new low-cost spay/neuter clinic in Pinellas Park on ItsYourTimes. The clinic has performed more than 1,200 surgeries since March, she says.